Which hair colour should you choose based on your natural hair colour?

Author : Laurence

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HAIR COLOUR?

How to choose your hair dye or colour based on your natural hair colour?

Changing your hair colour is exciting… but knowing where to start can be confusing.
The answer is simple: everything starts with your natural hair colour.

By using your natural base as a guide, you’ll get a result that is more flattering, easier to maintain and much more harmonious. You’ll avoid risky hair transformations and end up with a more natural, radiant and personalised colour.

👇 Select your natural hair colour below (black, brown, chestnut, blonde or red) to discover the best shades to enhance your features while staying true to your hair’s identity.

Choose your natural hair colour!

With your natural hair colour, I’ll guide you to the most flattering shades to enhance your beauty.

🌟 Why does choosing a colour close to your natural hair make all the difference?

Whether you’re covering greys, refreshing your base tone or just want to add a little shine and vibrancy, starting from your natural hair colour is always a good idea.

My advice: try to stay close to your natural shade to avoid a look that feels too artificial or hard to manage. Even subtle changes can enhance your look beautifully and effortlessly.

The benefits of a good choice:

  • Natural, luminous and harmonious result
  • Less visible regrowth
  • Skin tone and eyes enhanced
  • Less damage to your hair
  • Easier maintenance

The risks of a bad choice:

  • Artificial or wig-like effect
  • Visible root contrast in a few weeks
  • Dull complexion or harsh features
  • Disappointing results that need correction
  • Damaged or weakened hair

It’s all about tones and undertones

Choosing a hair colour is a big decision. Whether you’re trying to hide greys, refresh your look or enhance your natural colour, the right shade should take into account three things:

  • your natural hair tone
  • your skin tone
  • your eye colour

By factoring in these three elements, you’ll get a natural result that brings out your best features.

There are five main natural hair colours: black, brown, chestnut, red and blonde. Each one has multiple variations (for example, dark brown, golden brown, hazelnut brown…).

In hairdressing, colours are ranked on a scale from 1 to 10, from darkest to lightest. Dye formulas use this scale (check out the hair dye code guide).

As a rule of thumb, shades that suit your natural hair will usually be 1 to 2 levels above or below your current tone.
For example, if your natural colour is light chestnut, you could go for:
3 Dark chestnut, 4 Chestnut, 5 Light chestnut, 6 Dark blonde or 7 Blonde, with added highlights.

Highlights should be chosen based on your skin tone and eye colour.

How to choose the right hair colour?

Here are 3 essential tips to find your perfect shade:

1. Your natural hair colour

To really enhance your face, it’s best to go for a tone close to your natural colour.
Choosing a shade that aligns with your current base makes the whole process easier and more successful. The result will be more natural and meet your expectations.

On the other hand, picking a colour completely opposite to your base (like going platinum blonde when you’re naturally dark brown) may not suit you at all and could wash out your complexion.

2. Your skin tone

Choosing a hair colour that complements your skin tone is crucial for a balanced and elegant look.

For example:

  • If you have very fair skin, a golden blonde might not highlight your porcelain complexion.
  • If you have dark or Black skin, platinum blonde may create a contrast that’s too harsh and lacks harmony.

The key is to create subtle contrast between your hair and skin tone without clashing.

👉 Read more: How to choose your hair colour based on your skin and eyes

3. Your eye colour

Yes, your eyes matter too!
Some highlights can really enhance your eyes, while others may dull your look.

For instance:

  • If you have green eyes and fair skin, coppery tones will bring warmth and glow to your features.
  • Ash tones might wash you out or make your look less vibrant.

👉 Read more: How to choose your hair colour based on your eyes

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